SARATOGA SPRINGS — Supporters of the recently overturned policy of having armed monitors patrol the grounds outside Saratoga Springs district schools have launched an online petition aiming to bring the armed guards back.

“Grounds officers are retired or active duty law enforcement hired by the school district to monitor school grounds. Their role is to act as a deterrent to potential threats and ensure the safety of students, teachers, and administration on school properties,” according to the group, Saratoga Parents for Safe Schools, which put out a news release Friday.

“Our petition is designed to provide a voice for parents and concerned members of the community so that they may express their disagreement with the board's bizarre policy change.”